MLB Notes: Greinke says he's ready to return

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the midst of an eight-game losing streak, but their high-priced ace thinks he's ready to make his return.

Zack Greinke, who suffered a broken collarbone in a benches-clearing brawl with Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin on April 11, told Ken Gurnick of MLB.com on Friday that he's ready to rejoin the Dodgers' rotation.

"I am,” Greinke said when asked if he was ready to be activated. “I won’t be in midseason form, but I feel I’m able to get guys out.

“I just have to get my right arm ready. I’ll definitely head somewhere. I can’t say [where] without talking to somebody. I’m sure they’d rather me pitch better than the results. I felt I pitched OK. Get the lights of a Major League game and it’s different, you step up another notch.”

Greinke tossed 4 1/3 innings in a minor league start with High A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday. He allowed eight runs -- three earned -- while striking out three and not issuing a walk.

The 29-year-old was expected to miss 6-8 weeks after having surgery on his collarbone, but could make it back to action in just over four weeks if the Dodgers activate him on Wednesday.

The Dodgers, who are currently in last place in the NL West with a 13-21 record, signed Greinke to a six-year, $147 million contract on Dec. 8, 2012. He's started two games for Los Angeles this season, going 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA and 10 strikeouts.